Sheltered behind a low wall, a creamy-hued stone longhouse surveys a verdant countryside of oaks and granite outcrops, a small lake sparkling in the distance. It is a restored three-bedroom stazzo, a traditional farmhouse, in Gallura, north-east Sardinia. The stazzi were traditionally home to local farmers but are increasingly being converted into country houses. Usually made of granite, which is easily available in the area, they tend to be long and low鈥攔arely more than one storey high鈥攁nd blend seamlessly with the landscape.
This one is no exception. It belongs to the hillside it perches on, much like the trees that shade it and the tufts of grass that front it. Its windows and verandah frame perfect views of Lake Liscia, a small man-made marvel, and the hills that surround it鈥攁 luxuriant countryside that makes some of the best wines on the island.
The interiors match the vernacular fa莽ade, with exposed beams and fireplaces, traditional tiles and wooden furniture. And there鈥檚 room on the grounds to create a panoramic swimming pool.
Both inside and out, this is quintessential Gallura, rural, verdant, tranquil. It is a far cry from the glitzy Sardinia of yachts, celebrities and paparazzi, which, however, is a mere 25 kilometres away, as is a white and turquoise beach, and the international airport in Olbia. Even closer is the Cantina Sociale in Tempio鈥攖he place to stock up on an extraordinary Vermentino wine called Canayli.
鈥淲hat makes this property special is that it is a traditional Sardinian villa at an affordable price,鈥 says selling agent Linda Travella of Casa Travella, who has been selling 禁漫天堂 property since 1987.
The asking price is 鈧330,000. For further information, contact Casa Travella on +44 01322 660988 or visit, .
Stazzo in Luras, Sardinia
Words by Carla Passino